Blog: Marketing and Social Media

How online campaigning enhances election results

The basics of using social media in political campaigns is not that much different than using social media for individuals or businesses. Ultimately, you’re posting content in order to engage a defined audience and get them to embrace something.

Does it replace traditional political campaign tactics?

Your political social media campaign is important – but does NOT replace traditional political campaign marketing. Social media campaign marketing should enhance, not replace your offline campaign. It’s still enormously important to get your message out there in the traditional ways – flyers, door hangers, yard signs and position papers. Your message and your position on the issues become the basis of your social media campaign. No, it does not replace your offline campaign, but it sure does strengthen it – and expand its reach. A candidate with an effective online campaign clearly has a competitive advantage over one who doesn’t.

Politicians are naturally good at social media campaigns

Political campaign candidates have exceptional qualities that make them a natural success at social media and networking. They’re individuals who are highly dedicated and have a strong sense of place and purpose. Politicians are generally great at connecting – sharing information and helping others. When strong opinions and multiple voices are involved, political candidates are good at cutting through the clutter and deflecting negative feedback.

The goal of an effective online political campaign

Your overarching goal for social media during your campaign (and afterward!) is to activate lively engagement with and among your constituents. You will:

•  Spread awareness of your campaign

•  Make it easy for supporters to follow your campaign and messages

•  Interact with supporters (and opponents!)

•  Coordinate events

•  Raise money

•  Get out the vote (GOTV)

•  Reach a larger audience

Should you pay for online political marketing?

While it’s easy to pay to market your political campaign online, it is definitely preferable to engage your supporters to spread your messages for you. The influence of their reach, credibility and trust far outweigh anything you could pay for.

The future of elected government will likely be measured by Likes and Followers – as well as votes.

Do your local political candidates use social media effectively?

For more resources, see the Free Management Library topic: Marketing and Social Media.

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ABOUT Lisa M. Chapman:

Ms. Chapman’s book, The WebPowered Entrepreneur – A Step-by-Step Guide is available at:

• Amazon.com: http://bit.ly/AmazonTheWebPoweredEntrepreneur
• Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/BNTheWebPoweredEntrepreneur

Lisa M. Chapman serves her clients as a business and marketing coach, business planning consultant and social media consultant. She helps clients to establish and enhance their online brand, attract their target market, engage them in meaningful social media conversations, and convert online traffic into revenues. Email: Lisa @ LisaChapman.com